Transporting an outboard motor is a process that is often underestimated by beginners, relying on avocados and strong ropes. four-stroke It differs significantly from two-strokes in its design, especially in the lubrication system of the crankcase. Incorrect position when driving can lead to serious technical problems, including getting oil into the combustion chamber or, worse, into the exhaust manifold. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of safely delivering your equipment to water.
Modern. outboard These are complex engineering structures where each node has its own operating requirements, and statistics from service centers show that a significant proportion of breakdowns related to hydraulic shock or flooded candles are due to errors in transportation. Gravity. Your main enemy or ally, depending on how you position the unit, ignoring basic installation rules can make a pleasant fishing trip a long repair.
You don't have to be a mechanical engineer to understand the principles of moving machinery. carburetor We're going to look at scenarios, from carrying a boat on a hard transom to transporting a car in the trunk, and it's going to take a few minutes to get the oil flowing down, but it's going to save you money and nerves.
Critical importance of inclination during transportation
The main difference between a four-stroke engine and a two-stroke engine is the oil crankcase. In two-stroke engines, oil is mixed with gasoline, so they can be rolled as you like (though not desirable). four-stroke engine The oil is in a separate tray, and if you tilt the engine too hard, the oil can flow through the sapuna throughpasses into the intake manifold.
When you start the engine after that trip, the liquid that gets into the cylinders doesn't burn instantly, and that leads to an effect known as a "smoking" effect. hydraulic impactIt can bend rods or break through a cylinder block, and it can also cause a lot of smoke when you start it up until the oil burns out, which is why the question of tilt angle is paramount.
Most manufacturers, such as Yamaha, Mercury or Tohatsu, which is the manuals that indicate the angles of inclination allowed, which is usually a position where the engine axis is not more than 45 degrees off the vertical, but there are exceptions, which we'll talk about later, and for some models, even a smaller angle is critical.
And you have to consider the design of the lower unit, and if you're driving a motor on a boat mounted on a trailer, it's important to check if it's sticking. anticavitational The vibration can amplify the negative effect of the wrong position. Always fix the humming device or remote control system so that they do not dangle.
Rules of transportation on the hard transom of the boat
The most common way to get to a water body is to put the motor directly on the boat that's in the trailer, which is convenient, but requires strict rules. cross-board It can withstand the weight of the engine under dynamic loads on the road, and even if the motor seems to be securely fixed, vibration can weaken the fastener.
Use special slinging belts or high-quality screed belts to fix the ropes. Conventional ropes can stretch or weaken from vibration. It is recommended to use at least two mounting points: one at the top of the daydwoot (per carry handle or special eyelets) and one at the bottom, covering the lower unit or an anti-cavitation stove, but not clamping water holes.
- 🔒 Be sure to use soft pads under the belts so as not to damage the paint coating of the engine body.
- 🔒 Check the tension of the belts every 50-70 kilometers, as vibration can weaken them.
- 🔒 Make sure that the motor does not shift left-right when the trailer turns sharply.
Pay special attention to the system hydro-liftIf you leave the engine in elevated condition, make sure that the hydraulic cylinder is working and keeps the pressure, but it is safer to put the engine in the tilt position, if the design of the boat and trailer allows, and lock it in this position, which will reduce the center of gravity and reduce the load on the transom.
Use the transom wheels only for parking maneuvers, and when driving on the highway, they must be removed or raised securely, so as not to create additional sailing and vibration.
Transportation of motors separately from boat
If you cannot carry the motor on a boat (for example, due to a high center of gravity or the risk of damage to the transom), it will have to be transported separately. pole It allows you to lock the engine upright, mimicking the engine on the water, and it's the safest way to do internal machinery.
When transported in the back of a truck or a large van, the motor can be left in an upright position, securely securing the rack to the floor or sides. If you use a passenger car or a station wagon, often you have to compromise. In such cases, it is permissible to put the motor on the side, but strictly on a certain side, specified in the instructions.
⚠️ Attention: Never place a four-stroke motor on the side where the carburetor or air filter is located unless the instructions indicate otherwise, and this is guaranteed to lead to oil leaking into the intake system.
To protect against dust, dirt and rain, make sure to use a cover. However, remember that the cover should not be sealed if the engine is still warm. corrosion Also remove the humming device or securely lock it so it doesn't shatter the mounts.
☑️ Preparation for transport in cars
Do I need to drain the oil before the road?
This is one of the most frequent questions that has caused controversy among water appliance owners. The short answer is: in most cases, drain oil. requiredModern four-stroke motors are designed to take into account the possible inclinations during operation (for example, on a wave).
However, if you have a very long trip on bad roads or plan to put the engine on your side (even the one allowed), the risk of oil spilling increases. Yamaha) The recommendation to drain oil in horizontal transport is found; new models often do not have this requirement.
| Situation | Should I drain the butter? | Recommended provision |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical (on the rack) | No. | Strictly vertically |
| On the transom of the boat (inclination < 45°) | No. | Transport corner |
| Horizontal on the side (if permitted) | Preferably. | On the exhaust side |
| Long-term storage on the way | Yes. | Any sustainable |
If you do decide to drain the oil, do it on a warm engine, so it is more fluid and comes out completely with possible contamination. After transportation, remember to check the level and add to the mark. synthetic oil It also reduces the risk of deposits with possible slopes.
Protection from external environment and mechanical damage
The road is full of surprises: rocks from under the wheels, dust, insects and sudden rain. exhaust-pipe This is a direct path for moisture and dirt to get inside the cylinder, and before you start driving, make sure to close the exhaust hole with a clean rag or a special plug, which will prevent water from entering, which, when you start it, can cause a hydraulic shock.
And you also need to protect the data-devut, and when you're driving at high speed, even fine gravel can leave chips on the paint, which will eventually lead to a loss of life. electrochemical corrosion Aluminum alloys: The use of a dense transport cover made of fabric with water-repellent impregnation is a prerequisite.
What is the danger of salt on the roads?
If you travel in winter or coastal areas, salt can get on the motor, and when you heat it causes accelerated corrosion, and always wash the motor with fresh water after driving on saline roads.
Don't forget the electrical part. The connectors, the ignition coils and the starter should be dry. If the cover gets wet, the moisture can be preserved inside, creating ideal conditions for the oxidation of contacts. After a trip in damp weather, it is recommended to remove the cover and give the engine. dry out In the air-remom room.
Features of fastening in the body and interior of the car
Car transportation is an extreme measure that should be resorted to only if there are no other options: gasoline and oil vapors are toxic and fire-prone. If you do, make sure that the fuel tank is completely empty and the carburetor has been drained. The smell of gasoline in the cabin is almost impossible to weather, it eats into the upholstery.
In the back of a pickup truck or truck, the motor must be fixed so as to exclude any movement. shock-absorbing The vibration of the metal body can be transmitted to the engine, causing resonance and damage to the internal components.
- 🚗 Do not put the engine in the cabin without a sealed packaging of the fuel system.
- 🚗 In the body, position the motor against the direction of movement so that the oncoming air flow does not clog dust into the air filter (if it is not closed).
- 🚗 Use soft screeds so as not to overwhelm the plastic elements of fairings.
⚠️ Attention: Smoking or using an open fire near a transported engine is strictly prohibited, even if the tank is empty.
When loading into the car, use physical force correctly. Four-stroke engines are heavier than two-stroke counterparts of the same power due to the presence of a valve system and a crankcase. Lift the load behind special handles, with a straight back, or use the help of a second person. carry-knobs It can leave you unable to move the motor to the water.
Safe transportation of a four-stroke depends on three factors: the correct angle of inclination, reliable fixation from vibration and protection from moisture entering the exhaust system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I drive a four-stroke engine lying on my back (dadewood up)?
No, it's highly undesirable. In this position, the oil will flow from the crankcase to the cylinder head and valve cover, and when you start it will lead to a hydraulic shock or severe smoke, and let's just tilt to a certain side, if the instructions allow it.
Do I need to remove the spark plug before long transportation?
You don't have to remove the candle if you've stowed the engine correctly, but if you're planning to put the motor on your side, it's a good idea to twist the candle out and close the hole with a clean rag so that the oil doesn't get into the cylinder through the candle hole if it's there.
How do you know if the oil hits the cylinder after the shipment?
When starting, the engine will smoke heavily with white or blue smoke, if the smoke does not pass after 2-3 minutes of idling, or if the engine does not triple and develops revs, perhaps there is liquid in the cylinder, in the worst case, the engine will jam immediately when you try to start.
Can I leave the fuel hose connected during transportation?
It is better to disconnect the fuel hose from the engine and to shut off both ends (hose and engine fitting) with special caps, which will prevent the fuel from leaking out when shaking and getting dirt into the fuel system, the tank is also better to carry separately in an upright position.